Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Melissa Houston covers financial issues that affect women in business. Creating a business plan is a critical first step for any entrepreneur.

The very process of writing your business plan helps you put your ideas on paper, so you can see what you have and what you need. Your business plan is your blueprint for starting your business, your ...

In the gig economy, side hustles are a popular way to earn extra money. But if you’re thinking of skipping a business plan, ...

Your business plan is your blueprint for starting your business, your script to tell the story of your business to others, and your comprehensive analysis of the opportunity for your business.

Your business plan should conform to generally accepted guidelines regarding form and content. Each section should include specific elements and address relevant questions that the people who read ...